ResponsibleSteel has had a busy month, with important progress across our standards, policy, and membership activities. Earlier this month, ResponsibleSteel convened steelmakers, customers, NGOs, EU policymakers, standards bodies, and auditors in Brussels to exchange perspectives on how to accelerate low-emission steel production and strengthen responsible practices across the sector. The discussions were highly constructive and will inform our forthcoming policy paper – thank you to all who took part.

A reminder that nominations are still open for a Business Board Director, offering our members the chance to play an active role in shaping ResponsibleSteel’s strategic direction and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find:

• Insights from our Brussels policy convening

• Details on the open Business Board Director position and how to nominate

• Updates on the ResponsibleSteel Standard Revision

• A new blog explaining the certification process

• A call for member-authored blogs

• A warm welcome to PDI Tanzania, our newest member

• An opinion piece by Policy Advisor Yana Popkostova on the role of standards in the green transition

…and more.

Read the full newsletter here.

Since the launch of the first Standard in 2019, ResponsibleSteel has established itself as a leader in steel sustainability. As the global industry landscape continues to evolve, driven by shifting regulations and reporting requirements, technological innovation, and a growing need to address social and climate issues, the Production Standard must also evolve.

In 2024, ResponsibleSteel began the standard revision process for the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard (V2.1.1) in accordance with ResponsibleSteel’s Standards Development Procedures. So far, discussions have commenced on aspects of Principle 10: Climate Change and GHG Emissions, Principle 6: Labour Rights, and Just Transition. The revision will also incorporate urgent revisions and provisional interpretations.

The most recent working group meeting on Principle 10 was held on 21 October, followed by a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting a week later. Discussions focused on corporate alignment with the Paris Agreement and corporate-level climate transition plans (10.1), corporate climate-related financial disclosure (10.2), site-level GHG emissions reduction targets and planning (10.5) and GHG emissions disclosure and reporting (10.7). A survey was also recently sent to ResponsibleSteel business members to collect data on how they currently measure and disclose climate-related information to inform the discussions.

In the coming weeks, the Secretariat will consolidate the outcomes from these meetings into a proposal for changes to the Production Standard to be reviewed by the working group and TAG.  

The Just Transition working group has been exploring the drivers for inclusion and is considering whether integration of this topic into the Production Standard (as part of Principle 4) is appropriate. The TAG for social topics has also begun reviewing the outcomes of last year's working group on annual leave (related to Principle 6).

Take a look at a few of our key resources to find out more about the revision process:

• ‍Standard revision timeline ‍
• Terms of reference

ResponsibleSteel members are invited to join working group meetings, even if they haven’t participated previously. Meeting minutes and presentations from previous discussions can be found under Resources.

We are always seeking broader engagement, particularly from those with experience/expertise surrounding social topics. By contributing to the revision process, members have a unique opportunity to contribute to a global standard that is shaping the future of the industry, not just for steelmakers, but for the entire value chain.  

If you would like to be involved or have any questions, please contact standards@responsiblesteel.org. Stay tuned for further standard development updates on our Standards Development page.

Who do you see shaping the future of sustainable steel? ResponsibleSteel is currently seeking nominations from our members for a position on our Board of Directors in the Business category.

The Board plays a vital role in ensuring ResponsibleSteel delivers impact, maintains the integrity of our Production Standard, and serves the needs of our global membership. This is a valuable opportunity for a representative of one of ResponsibleSteel’s business members to contribute to the strategic leadership of our organisation and help shape the future of the steel industry.

Our Board brings together expertise from across the steel industry, environmental and social issues, governance, and standard-setting, and upholds best practice in multi-stakeholder decision-making. It is composed of four Business, four Civil Society, and three Independent Directors. Key decisions on our standards and assurance programme, finances, policies, and procedures are made by our Board of Directors.

We strongly encourage nominations not only from steel-making companies, but our multi-stakeholder governance is one of the core strengths of ResponsibleSteel. All ResponsibleSteel members (including Associates and Civil Society Members) are invited to submit nominations, provided the nominee would sit within the Business Membership category. We particularly encourage nominations of representatives from steel customers and materials suppliers.

Take a look at the candidate pack, role description, and nomination form below to find out more about the position and to nominate a representative:

• Download the pack‍
• Read the role description‍
• Access the nomination form

We look forward to receiving your nominations!

The deadline for nominations is Friday, 7th November 23:59 GMT.

Steel production is one of the most emissions-intensive industries in the world. As the market shifts toward more sustainable, low-emission practices, steelmakers need a reliable way to demonstrate their performance, while steel buyers and investors need confidence in their investment and procurement decisions.

ResponsibleSteel’s independent, multi-stakeholder standard and certification programme sets the benchmark for responsible steel production worldwide. But how does it work in practice?

1. The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard

Certification is based on the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, built on 13 Principles covering the full ESG spectrum from decarbonisation, water and biodiversity to labour rights, community engagement, human rights, and more.

This ensures that sustainability in steel is measured holistically, not just by emissions, giving buyers, investors, and other stakeholders a clear view of a steelmaker’s overall ESG performance.

2. Independent, third-party audits

To achieve certification, a steel site undergoes a rigorous audit by trained, independent auditors from one of ResponsibleSteel’s approved certification bodies.

Auditors assess conformity with the Principles, reviewing documentation, interviewing workers and stakeholders, and visiting the site. This ensures the process is robust, credible, and impartial, giving stakeholders full confidence in the results.

3. Major and minor non-conformities

During the process, auditors may identify opportunities for improvement, as well as non-conformities. These can be either major or minor non-conformities.

A minor non-conformity is typically a one-off or minor issue that doesn’t affect the site's capability to meet the overall objective of the relevant criterion or principle. It might be an isolated incident or something with only a limited impact on the site’s ability to operate responsibly. A site can be certified with minor non-conformities but must take steps to amend these non-conformities and demonstrate improvement during future audits.

A major non-conformity, on the other hand, is a serious issue, meaning that a site is not meeting the overall objectives of the Production Standard. This could be a single major incident or a series of smaller problems that demonstrate a systemic issue. A site with a major non-conformity cannot be certified until the issue has been properly addressed. Should a major non-conformity arise after certification, the certificate could be suspended depending on the severity of the issue.

4. Certification decisions

Audit reports are reviewed by the ResponsibleSteel team and/or an independent Assurance Panel to check whether they meet our reporting expectations and that the certification body/auditors followed the procedures outlined in the ResponsibleSteel Assurance manual.

With experience across steel, social and environmental issues, and auditing and certification, the Assurance Panel provides independent oversight. It plays a vital role in ensuring the rigour of certification decisions made by certification bodies.

Once sites are certified, their certificates are publicly listed on ResponsibleSteel’s website alongside a summary of the audit findings, providing transparency for industry stakeholders.

5. Continuous improvement

Certification is not a one-off achievement. Certificates are valid for three years, during which time sites must undergo a surveillance audit and complete the recertification process to maintain their status. Issues and complaints against the site can also be raised by stakeholders in between audits via ResponsibleSteel’s Issues Resolution Process. Depending on the severity of the problem, a special audit may be conducted by auditors.

Confidence for stakeholders

For steel buyers, investors, and other stakeholders, certification provides assurance that a steelmaker is operating at some of the highest standards in the industry across social and environmental issues. Certification helps to:

• Mitigate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks
• Support compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements
• Improve transparency and accountability across the supply chain

Driving progress and future-proofing business

ResponsibleSteel certification is more than a label – it’s a framework to help reduce risk and accelerate change across the value chain. By asking steelmakers about certification, buyers and investors send a clear signal that drives progress towards responsible, low-emission, and near-zero steel.

Learn more about ResponsibleSteel certification here.

Are you a steelmaker? Find out how you can begin the certification journey here.

Are you a steel buyer or investor? Learn more about how Certified Steel can support you here.

The September edition of the ResponsibleSteel™ newsletter is here.

India is an essential part of the global journey towards a responsible, low-emissions steel sector. Our recent event in New Delhi, Accelerating Decarbonisation of the Steel Sector in India, marked an important milestone in our work in the region. The discussions and insights shared were invaluable, and we thank all who contributed.

We are also calling for nominations for a Board Director in the Business category, an important opportunity to help shape ResponsibleSteel’s future direction.

In this month’s newsletter, you can read about:

- Highlights from our New Delhi event

- A call for Board Director nominations

- Welcoming Instant Steel Solutions as a new member

- A member blog from Karmanterra on biocarbon in steelmaking

- Updates on the ResponsibleSteel Standard revision

- Reflections from our latest Just Transition webinar

…and more.

Read the full newsletter here.

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In this blog, authored by Karmanterra, the opportunities and challenges of using biocarbon in steelmaking are explored. Biocarbon offers a natural pathway to reduce emissions and support compliance under frameworks such as the EU ETS, but scaling its use requires reliable biomass supply chains, investment in infrastructure, and careful technical integration. Drawing on developments in regions like the American Southeast, Karmanterra highlights how nature-based solutions can play an important role in the steel industry’s journey to net zero.

As global pressure mounts on industries to decarbonise, the steel sector, one of the world’s largest industrial carbon emitters, faces growing scrutiny. In Europe, regulatory frameworks like the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) are intensifying incentives for companies to find lower-carbon pathways. One promising solution gaining momentum is biogenic carbon, commonly known as biochar or biocarbon, as a substitute for fossil-based coal and coke in steelmaking.

Why biocarbon?

Biocarbon is produced by pyrolyzing or gasifying biomass such as forestry residues, agricultural waste, or other organic matter in the absence of oxygen. The resulting material is rich in carbon and can replicate many of the properties of coal or coke in metallurgical processes. From an environmental standpoint, the carbon in biocarbon is considered biogenic—originating from recently living organisms—rather than geologic sources like coal that release fossil carbon when burned. This distinction is critical under the EU ETS, where biogenic emissions are generally exempt from compliance costs.

By replacing fossil-based reductants with biocarbon, steelmakers can lower their reported emissions and reduce liabilities under carbon pricing mechanisms. This could transform steel’s traditionally high-carbon footprint into a more circular, nature-aligned process.

The challenges of scaling a nature-based solution

Despite its promise, the integration of biocarbon into steelmaking faces significant challenges. The steel industry consumes tens of millions of tonnes of coal and coke annually. Replacing even a fraction of this with biocarbon requires a consistent, large-scale biomass supply chain, which is both a logistical and environmental hurdle.

Forestry residues, agricultural byproducts, and energy crops may seem abundant, but sourcing sustainable biomass on an industrial scale demands a sophisticated supply chain close to pyrolysis sites to limit logistical costs and carbon emissions. Proximity to rail or ports is also essential for delivery to steel mills.

Pyrolysis facilities capable of producing metallurgical-grade biocarbon are still limited in number and capacity. The capital expenditure required to build out this infrastructure is significant, and without long-term offtake agreements, financing remains difficult.

Technical differences also exist between biocarbon and traditional coke. Biocarbon generally has lower mechanical strength, different combustion characteristics, and higher reactivity, affecting furnace operation, energy efficiency, and product quality. Naturally derived biogenic materials often contain higher levels of trace minerals such as silicone, boron, and phosphorus, which can be particularly challenging for stainless steel production. As a result, integrating biocarbon into blast furnace and EAF operations requires careful adjustment of feedstocks and may not be feasible in all plant configurations and furnace types.

The American Southeast as a supply source

The American Southeast offers ample opportunity for global biocarbon development. Often called the American wood basket, the region is dominated by fast-growing Southern yellow loblolly pine. Timber inventories remain high, notably in Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, and Arkansas, where sawtimber volumes are projected to rise by about 17% over the next 10 years.

This abundance of resources could provide the steel industry with the capacity and cost structure to scale up biocarbon adoption. We at Karmanterra have received accreditation from the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) to verify and account for the sustainable nature of our biomass to meet the needs of the EU ETS and other cap and trade programs.

Regulatory incentives and the path forward

Policy support is strengthening. The EU ETS continues to tighten, making low-carbon alternatives more economically attractive. Several countries now offer subsidies or tax incentives for industrial decarbonisation, improving the investment climate for biocarbon.

Hybrid steelmaking routes—such as direct reduced iron (DRI) using hydrogen—could work alongside biocarbon, creating flexible, multi-pathway decarbonisation strategies.

Still, for biocarbon to become a viable solution, it will require cross-sector collaboration: from biomass suppliers and pyrolysis operators to steel producers and policymakers. It will need investment in infrastructure, standardised quality specifications, and robust sustainability criteria to ensure that biocarbon use doesn’t create new problems.

Conclusion

Biocarbon offers a real opportunity to reduce steelmaking’s climate impact while offering a pathway to regulatory relief under cap-and-trade systems like the EU ETS. Realising this potential will mean overcoming a complex mix of scale, supply, and technical challenges. As industries and governments accelerate toward net zero, nature-based solutions like biocarbon must be embraced—not as silver bullets, but as integral components of a diversified decarbonisation strategy.

Click here to learn more about Karmanterra.

Note: All opinions expressed within guest blogs are of the author alone, and do not reflect the views of ResponsibleSteel. If you are one of our members/partners and would like to submit a guest blog, please read the editorial guidelines on our website for more information.

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Philippe Aubron, ArcelorMittal’s Head of Global Automotive, joined ResponsibleSteel’s Board of Directors earlier this year. We asked him a few questions on the industry’s most promising developments, growing demand for sustainable, low-emission steel, and the value of ResponsibleSteel in supporting the shift towards sustainable practices.

1. You’ve witnessed the steel industry evolve significantly over the past three decades. What do you think are the most important changes shaping the sector today?

Over the past 30 years, the steel industry has undergone a profound transformation. Today, the most significant change is the shift toward sustainability and decarbonisation. This is driven by both regulatory pressure and customer demand, particularly in sectors like automotive. Digitalisation and advanced manufacturing technologies are also reshaping how we produce and use steel, enabling greater efficiency, traceability, and innovation. The industry is no longer just about volume and cost—it’s about value, responsibility, and long-term impact.

2. What role do you see ResponsibleSteel playing in helping the industry deliver on its sustainability commitments?

ResponsibleSteel provides a credible, independent multistakeholder standard that supports transparency and continuous improvement across a broad range of ESG criteria. It helps steelmakers demonstrate responsible practices and gives customers confidence in the sustainability of their supply chains. Importantly, ResponsibleSteel is also working to align with other standards, such as the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, to ensure interoperability and reduce complexity for producers and customers alike. This harmonisation is essential to building trust and accelerating the transition across the industry.

3. What value does ArcelorMittal see from being part of ResponsibleSteel?

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard is not just about emissions—it encompasses over 500 ESG criteria, from biodiversity to human rights. As the industry evolves, ResponsibleSteel will be instrumental in setting credible benchmarks and enabling customers to make informed choices. The Production Standard has been warmly received by all ArcelorMittal sites that have undertaken the certification process, which proved valuable in helping to identify opportunities to further improve ESG practices and performance. It has served to strengthen our management systems, ensuring we continue to embed robust ESG standards across our operations.

4. Where (regionally or technologically) do you see the most promising developments in sustainable steel production emerging?

ArcelorMittal is already producing low carbon emission steel in various locations around the world, although Europe remains a frontrunner due to its regulatory ambition. However, the technological path is complex and requires strong policies to address global steel overcapacity, unfair trade, carbon leakage, clean energy cost and availability, and prioritising scrap for circularity and decarbonisation within the EU. A framework to address these issues and more was set out by the European Commission in its Steel and Metals Action Plan which was published earlier this year. However, what is lacking is speed of implementation—the framework outlined in the Steel and Metals Action Plan needs to be converted into effective legislation. We remain hopeful that this can be achieved as soon as possible.

5. As Head of Global Automotive for ArcelorMittal, how is demand for low-emission and sustainable steel evolving among automotive customers? What are going to be the industry’s biggest challenges in meeting this demand?

Automotive OEMs are increasingly integrating sustainability into procurement, driven by Scope 3 emissions targets and consumer expectations. Demand for low-carbon steel is gradually increasing, but the real challenge lies in scaling supply to meet demand at a competitive cost. While some customers are already securing volumes for upcoming vehicle launches, the majority remain hesitant to absorb the higher cost associated with the 'green premium'—despite clear signals that the shift is underway. The industry must overcome high production and energy costs, limited availability of green inputs, and the need for harmonised standards. Also, more work can be done to increase circularity—for example, scrap steel buybacks—and recycling, and therefore create closed loops.

6. What drew you to join the ResponsibleSteel Board at this moment in the industry’s transition?

This is a pivotal moment for the steel industry. The decisions we make now will shape the sector’s impact on climate, communities, and the economy for decades to come. I joined the ResponsibleSteel Board to help ensure that the transition is ambitious, credible, and inclusive. With my background in automotive and global operations, I hope to bring a practical perspective to the table and help bridge the gap between producers and end-users.

This month marks a major milestone: EMSTEEL Group is the first site in the MENA region to achieve ResponsibleSteel™ Certification – a benchmark in a region set to play a vital role in the industry’s transition.

We invite members to share feedback on potential updates to ResponsibleSteel's GHG claims through our survey. Your input will inform the Board’s next meeting, so please make sure your voice is heard.

Our new case study, with SIJ - Slovenian Steel Group, highlights how certification provides a clear sustainability roadmap, delivering benefits such as stronger worker wellbeing and community trust. You can also explore our latest member blog from Maxion Wheels, a Reuters opinion piece from our CEO, Annie Heaton, and our upcoming Just Transition webinar in partnership with Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).

Finally, we’re delighted to welcome Titan Wind Energy as our newest member and share information on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.

In this edition, read about:

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- EMSTEEL's first certification

- ResponsibleSteel's GHG claims survey

- Our first case study with SIJ Group

- Welcoming our newest member

- Take part in our standard revision

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Read our latest newsletter here for more.

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At Maxion Wheels, our commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our business strategy. As a leading global manufacturer of both aluminum and steel wheels, we understand the critical role we play in the automotive industry and the broader societal impact of our operations. Our annual steel requirement amounts to 800,000 tons, covering our operations across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Scope 3 emissions from the steel we purchase make up the largest share of our total emissions at 56%. Reducing these upstream emissions is strategically important to Maxion Wheels’ goal of becoming a net-zero operation by 2040. To this end, we have entered into future partnership agreements with selected steel manufacturers that offer a green vision and a solid decarbonisation strategy. We actively encourage our steel suppliers to offer more sustainable options, enabling Maxion Wheels to develop solutions that fulfil our customers’ expectations.

Strong industry standards and frameworks help unify the supply chain around shared sustainability values. They also make supply chain sustainability governance more efficient and less resource-intensive. The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard provides a benchmark on sustainable best business practices for the steel industry, and ResponsibleSteel’s Principles align with our own values as well as the expectations we have of our supplier network.

Our responsible sourcing policy reflects this commitment by awarding credit points to steel suppliers in their annual performance rating, if they are members of ResponsibleSteel. We collaborate with steel manufacturers who are committed to reducing their emissions and implementing closed-loop systems. These manufacturers are not only dedicated to minimising their environmental footprint but also to enhancing the overall sustainability of their operations. By targeting these forward-thinking steel producers, we ensure that our supply chain supports our sustainability goals.

Our ResponsibleSteel membership is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. With our holistic supply chain risk management, we continuously monitor and evaluate our suppliers, recognising and rewarding those who excel in responsible practices.

At Maxion Wheels, we are proud to be at the forefront of this important movement, leading the way towards a sustainable, net-zero future as a proud member of ResponsibleSteel.

Emirates Steel Industries Co. PJSC (EMSTEEL) has earned Core Site Certification under the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, introducing ResponsibleSteel certification to the MENA region and establishing a key benchmark for the region’s steel sector.

Located in the Abu Dhabi Industrial City, EMSTEEL operates a fully integrated facility producing 4.2 million tonnes of direct reduced iron annually and over 7 million combined tonnes of steel products such as billets, beam blanks, blooms, and reinforcing bars. The audit, conducted by CARES, assessed performance against more than 300 social, environmental, and governance requirements.

Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel, said,“The certification of EMSTEEL marks the arrival of ResponsibleSteel certification in the MENA region and sets an important benchmark for the region’s steel industry. The site certification recognises EMSTEEL’s established governance systems, as well as transparent engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. As a region that plays a growing role in the global steel supply chain, the MENA region is poised to become an important piece of the puzzle in the industry’s transition. This certification not only shows that sustainability standards can be applied effectively across different regions but also reflects the sustained progress being made by companies like EMSTEEL. We look forward to continuing our work with EMSTEEL and other regional leaders on the journey to a more responsible steel value chain.”

EMSTEEL's decarbonisation strategy aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, more than double the UAE’s 19% reduction requirement, and to achieve net zero by 2050. The company’s five-pillar plan involves carbon capture, 100% clean electricity by 2030, enhanced energy efficiency, increased scrap use, and the adoption of green hydrogen having launched the region’s first hydrogen-based steel pilot project with Masdar in 2023.

Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer, EMSTEEL, commented, “Achieving the ResponsibleSteel™ certification is a proud milestone for us and is a testament to our relentless commitment to sustainability, innovation and responsible growth. As the first company in the MENA region to meet this global benchmark, we’re proud to continue driving national advanced manufacturing goals, while setting industry benchmarks for decarbonising the steel value chain.”

With over 2,700 employees and contractors, EMSTEEL plays a key role in the UAE’s industrial landscape and supports a broad network of stakeholders. Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and the local community were consulted as part of the audit, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement across the steel value chain.

Take a look at the certificates and public audit summaries here.

The July edition of the ResponsibleSteel™ newsletter is now live.

This month, we mark a significant milestone: thyssenkrupp Steel’s Duisburg site, the largest steel production site in Europe, is now ResponsibleSteel Core Site Certified. This certification reflects a strong commitment to independently verified, credible progress.

We're also inviting members and stakeholders to get involved in our Certified Steel campaign, which demonstrates how ResponsibleSteel certification supports buyers and investors in making informed, sustainable choices.

Understanding and addressing the social impacts of the net zero transition remains a priority. Together with IRMA Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance ,we’ve published a new blog and will be hosting a webinar exploring how voluntary sustainability standards can contribute to a Just Transition.

‍Click here to read the full newsletter.

As the global shift toward decarbonisation gains momentum, so too do the questions around how the transition will affect people and communities. While emerging technologies bring a cleaner future, they also bring with them significant disruption, particularly in heavy industries like steel and mining. New technologies, shifting production geographies, and economic restructuring can create unintended social consequences such as job losses, community displacement, and weakened local economies. 

In response to this, two Voluntary Sustainability Standards, the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and ResponsibleSteel have come together to explore what a just transition looks like for these sectors, and to explore the role of standards in steel and mining to drive a responsible transition. This joint project, supported by the ISEAL Innovations Fund and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), seeks to understand the social impacts of transitions and how voluntary sustainability standards can help ensure that this transformation is fair, inclusive, and responsible. 

This collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the value in shared learning between the steel and mining sectors. By working together, IRMA and ResponsibleSteel are exchanging insights, comparing approaches, and learning from each other’s experiences to strengthen how just transition principles are understood and applied. 

A shared vision rooted in multi-stakeholder governance 

IRMA and ResponsibleSteel were both founded on the principle of multi-stakeholder governance. Their boards include labour unions, civil society, and industry (Purchasers, Indigenous Rights Holders, Investors-IRMA), as well as affected communities in IRMA’s case, ensuring that decisions are not only transparent but also equitable. This approach forms the foundation of our collaboration on the just transition. Together, we bring complementary strengths: IRMA’s standard addresses upstream mining operations at the site level, while ResponsibleSteel covers the downstream steel production process. 

The two initiatives are jointly exploring how standards can help mitigate adverse social impacts of decarbonisation, such as the economic consequences of site closures or workforce displacement. Our goal is to provide a common foundation that recognises diverse regional realities and reflects the voices of workers, Indigenous Rights Holders, communities, and industry actors alike in our voluntary sustainability systems. 

Laying the groundwork: Research and stakeholder engagement 

The first phase of the project centred on an in-depth literature review of over 200 sources, including international standards, academic and practitioner literature, case studies, and online materials, with a focus on content relevant to the steel and mining sectors. This review explored how voluntary sustainability standards, global frameworks, and national policies approach just transition issues, highlighting areas of alignment as well as gaps. Insights were drawn from 11 standards and frameworks relevant to the steel and mining sectors, along with case examples from seven additional countries. Building on this foundation, the team conducted over 30 stakeholder in-depth interviews with voices across industry, labour, Indigenous rights holders, supply chains, policymakers, academia, and civil society. These conversations were then complemented by two multi-stakeholder workshops in Johannesburg and Brussels, which brought together workers, unions, companies, NGOs, Indigenous representatives, and decision-makers. Each phase has contributed valuable, grounded perspectives that continue to shape the direction and priorities of the project. 

Key insights from the project so far

What has become clear and consistent throughout both the literature review and the stakeholders' engagement so far is the contested nature of the term ‘Just Transition’. As we all live in different worlds with different contexts of reality, everyone brings their own understanding and priorities when thinking about a just transition. As voluntary sustainability standards, we must be thoughtful in how we define and interpret this term. We need a flexible framework where local context can be well reflected, and the context and priorities are defined by local stakeholders.  

Another key insight that emerged from all activities was the critical importance of an inclusive governance and management system that accommodates a meaningful stakeholders' engagement process and inclusive decision making at every step of the way to achieve a just transition. This also presents a challenge - inherent tension between the urgency of just transition issues and the often time-consuming nature of stakeholders' engagement. It is not just about having a process itself, but it is about recognising and addressing the existing power imbalance between stakeholders, and ensuring that the process facilitates meaningful consultation, which, in essence, means providing equitable access to consultation and decision-making processes.  

Moving forward 

Drawing on their sectoral expertise, multi-stakeholder governance models, and shared commitment to transparency and accountability, IRMA and ResponsibleSteel are exploring how standards can support a just transition in practice. This project marks an initial step toward building a stronger foundation for future efforts, recognising that meaningful progress will depend on continued collaboration and engagement. 

Join the conversation 

As this joint project progresses, ResponsibleSteel and IRMA would like to continue the conversation with stakeholders. An important milestone in this journey is an upcoming webinar, which will provide an opportunity to share key findings, share what we heard from those who contributed to the project, and explore how voluntary sustainability standards can play a meaningful role in supporting a responsible transition in the steel and mining sectors. 

We invite you to join us for a webinar hosted by IRMA and ResponsibleSteel : 

Date: Thursday, 4 September 

To make it easier for participants in different time zones to join, the same session will be offered at two different times. 

Session 1:
10:00–11:30 CEST / 10:00–11:30 SAST (South Africa)
9:00–10:30 BST (UK)
3:00–4:30 PM Southeast Asia (Jakarta Time) 

Click here to register for session 1.

Session 2:
16:00–17:30 CEST / 16:00–17:30 SAST (South Africa))
15:00–16:30 BST (UK)
10:00–11:30 AM US Eastern Time (EDT) 

Click here to register for session 2.

Find out more about IRMA here.